Marco, with a gesture both quick and unbelievably gentle, lifted Valentina against his still damp bare chest. In that instant, her body reacted without thinking: her arms slid around his neck, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, as if she had been waiting for that contact all evening. Their lips immediately found each other again, hungry, burning, unable to pull apart.
Marco walked toward the large mattress-like couch without ever breaking the fierce kiss. When he lowered himself to lay her down on it, it was with a delicacy that contrasted with the palpable tension surrounding them. Valentina felt the cold fabric beneath her back while Marco slowly straightened up, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that nearly took her breath away.
He let his sweatpants slide to the floor, revealing his body without the slightest hesitation, as if he wanted to show himself completely to her. Then, moving closer again, he lay between her thighs and captured her lips once more, this time more tenderly, like a caress.
His hand moved slowly up Valentina's thigh, lifting her tight dress up to her hip. She felt his skilled fingers brush against the straps of her thong, undoing them with a confident motion before tossing the fabric onto the floor. While kissing her, he slowly entered her wet intimacy with a calculated slowness, attentive, almost trembling.
Valentina instinctively arched her back, her arms tightening around Marco's neck. Her fingers dug into his skin, her head falling back, eyes closed, lips parted, torn between the pleasure rising inside her and the slight pain that made every movement feel more real, more alive.
Val (moaning, breathless)
— Aaaaaah… aaa… aaaa…
Marco (groaning, surprised)
— Fuck… you're so… tight…
....Aaaaah…
She tightened her hold around him even more.
Val (voice broken by moans)
— Ohhh… Aaaaaa… I… I… aaaaa… please… keep going…
Marco slowed down just enough to whisper against her skin:
Marco (softly, worried)
— Do you want me to stop…? Are you hurting?
Val (whispering between breaths)
— No… keep going… aaaa… don't stop…
So he continued, finding that deep, slow rhythm that made them both shiver at the same time. The living room seemed to echo with their breathing, their moans, as though every movement was weaving an even stronger bond between them. They made love again and again, until they lost all sense of time, until their exhausted bodies finally surrendered against one another.
Now lying on top of him, her head resting on his still warm chest, Valentina breathed slowly. Marco gently stroked her back and hair with his fingertips, as if afraid of breaking that fragile peace.
Val (low, hesitant voice)
— I don't know if I should regret… or love what just happened.
Marco (reassuring)
— You've got no reason to regret it. I'm not a perfect man, and you know that… but I can become one if you accept being part of my life.
Val stayed silent for a moment, emotional yet hesitant.
Marco (softly)
— We can get to know each other even more. I can introduce you to my mother… and you can do the same. It costs us nothing to try. And if I'm not good enough… you can tell me to go to hell.
Val (laughing)
— Yeah right, keep dreaming. If you get involved with me, trust me: there's no turning back.
Marco smiled, kissed Valentina's hair, and held her even tighter in his arms.
Marco (whispering)
— I love you, Val. You're the only girl I truly want to let into my life and into my heart. And if I have to abandon my world for that… I will.
Val (emotional)
— I love you too, Marco… I can't keep it to myself anymore: I love you.
Hearing those words, Marco let a tender smile appear on his lips.
The next day.
Lorenzo's villa.
In the same position as the night before, Lorenzo was still sleeping deeply. Chloé, curled up against him with her head resting on his chest, slowly opened her eyes. For a few seconds, she stayed still, watching his sleeping face. And then it hit her: this wasn't a dream. He was really there.
Chloé (emotional)
— My love… you're really here with me… I thought I was dreaming… but no. It's real…
She kissed Lorenzo softly on the forehead. He stirred slightly and slowly opened his eyes. A small smile appeared on his lips when he saw Chloé looking at him as though she were staring at a miracle.
Lorenzo (softly)
— Good morning, kiddo… did you sleep well?
Chloé (smiling)
— Are you seriously going to call me "kiddo" your whole life or what? I remind you that a kid doesn't do what we did yesterday. Well… normally.
Lorenzo (smirking)
— Oh really? And what exactly did we do yesterday?
Chloé instantly blushed, her cheeks burning, an embarrassed smile tugging at her lips.
Chloé (rolling her eyes)
— You know exactly! And besides… I don't want you calling me kiddo in front of my child. So fix that problem quickly, mister five-years-late daddy.
Lorenzo smiled wider, slid his hand behind her neck, pulled her closer, and captured her lips. They kissed for a long moment, sensually, with that new softness that now belonged to them.
When they finally pulled apart, Chloé took a deep breath.
Chloé (calmly)
— You owe me some explanations. And you know it.
Lorenzo didn't answer right away. He sat up and leaned against the pillows. Chloé sat facing him, legs crossed, her gaze both curious and determined.
Chloé (curious)
— Can you explain why you decided to fake your death without telling me? I saw with my own eyes when that man shot you! Marco and I took you to the hospital… so what happened after that? Why did the doctor tell us you were dead when you're here, alive, breathing loudly?
Lorenzo (calmly)
— Because I knew from the beginning that a man was following us… and I personally asked him to shoot me.
Chloé (jumping in shock)
— WHAT??? Wait… WHAT??? You… EXCUSE ME?!
She stayed speechless for a few seconds before adding:
Chloé (ironically)
— So your plan was basically to play Fast & Furious: "I get shot but it's totally normal" edition?!
Lorenzo (reassuring)
— I'll explain everything.
Flashback. (See episode 35)
Lorenzo (calm but cold)
— Nothing at all. I'm not accusing you of anything, Chloé, but I don't like the way that guy looks at you, or how interested he is in you. And anyway, it's decided: we're leaving this house right now. We're going home.
Chloé (firmly, sharply)
— You don't get to order me around, Lorenzo. Whether I leave or stay here is my decision. So stop trying to tell me what to do, got it?
Lorenzo stared at her for a long moment, clenching his jaw as he tried to calm himself. Despite his anger, something in Chloé's eyes disarmed him. Even furious, they still shone with the same love that drove him crazy.
Lorenzo (inner voice)
— I'll accept you talking to me like that as long as you keep looking at me with those eyes. Those eyes that shine with love, even when you're angry.
Chloé (coldly)
— Now get out of my room.
Lorenzo (calm but firm)
— I told you we're going home, Chloé. Stop being stubborn and go get ready. I'm going to—
Chloé (suddenly shouting)
— GET OUT, LEAVE!
Lorenzo (surprised, eyes wide)
— Why are you yelling? I just wanted to—
He didn't have time to finish. Chloé grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, then another one, tears beginning to rise in her eyes.
Chloé (crying, voice breaking)
— Get out of my room before I really lose my temper! Go away!
Lorenzo (stunned, raising his hands)
— Okay, okay, calm down… I'm leaving. But I'm warning you, I'll be outside waiting for you. If you don't come downstairs, I'll come get you myself.
Chloé (shouting, trembling)
— Out! Get out of here, asshole!
Lorenzo froze for a second, heart tight, before turning around. He left the room without another word, slamming the door behind him. On the other side, Chloé burst into tears, her trembling hands gripping her pillow tightly.
Chloé (whispering between sobs)
— I feel like crying every tear inside me… Dad, I miss you so much…
She curled up on the bed, burying her face in the sheets. Her tears flowed endlessly without her truly understanding why: sadness, anger, exhaustion… maybe all of it at once.
Downstairs, in the living room, Carlos sat on the couch, staring blankly ahead, his features tense. When he heard Lorenzo's heavy footsteps coming down the stairs, he looked up. Lorenzo walked past him without a word or even a glance, violently opened the door, and stormed outside.
Outside, just as Lorenzo was about to head toward his car, he noticed a man dressed in black with his face covered, leaning against the driver's side. The man was searching through the car as if he were looking for someone.
Lorenzo (low voice)
— Who the hell is that?
Without wasting a second, Lorenzo pulled out the gun hidden behind his back. He moved forward silently like a ghost until he stood right behind the man, who was still checking inside the car. With a sharp movement, Lorenzo pressed the gun against the back of the stranger's neck. The man jumped and straightened instantly.
Lorenzo (deep, cold voice)
— So… who are you supposed to be? And what are you doing here? Looking for me?
The man turned around abruptly, ready to shoot, but Lorenzo was faster. With a violent strike using the butt of his gun, he knocked the man to the ground. The stranger's weapon slid out of his hand. Lying on the ground, he raised his hands, trembling, in surrender.
The man (begging)
— D… don't shoot… I…
Lorenzo (furious)
— Listen carefully, little bastard. If you're here to kill me, you'd better start talking. I'm counting to three, and if you don't tell me why you had your gun ready, I'll put two bullets in your skull.
The man stayed silent, eyes fixed on the weapon pointed at his forehead. Lorenzo didn't tremble once. His stare alone said it all: talk, or die.
Lorenzo (icy voice)
— One…
The man (shaking)
— Wait… I…
Lorenzo (grave, imposing)
— Two…
The man nearly screamed:
— OKAY! OKAY! Fine! It's under orders from your wife's mother! She wants you dead… so she can take her daughter back!
Lorenzo felt rage rise inside him, his eyes burning with pure fury.
Lorenzo (furious)
— I knew it. That bitch really wants to ruin her own daughter's life… fuck.
The man (trembling)
— I… I…
Lorenzo (shouting)
— Shut your mouth if you don't want me to shoot you just to calm my anger! You had the nerve to follow me here to kill me. Do you think I'd just let that happen?
The man (begging)
— Please… I'm just doing what I'm told…
Lorenzo (cold, threatening)
— So you're her right-hand man?
The man nodded, fear obvious in his eyes.
Lorenzo (firm, dangerous)
— Good. Since your boss wants me dead, we're going to play her game. But I'm the one leading now. You're going to shoot me… but not the way you think. You'll follow my orders exactly.
The man (shocked)
— What??? But…
Lorenzo (imposing voice)
— Listen carefully: I'm your new boss now. You follow me, you obey me, you shoot me. Then you make sure the doctor treating me convinces everyone I'm dead. After that, you bring me out of the hospital… and I'll explain the rest.
The man nodded, trembling but obedient. He stood up, facing Lorenzo, who still had the gun aimed at him.
Lorenzo (dangerously calm)
— If you betray me… I'll blow your skull open. I don't joke around.
The man (shaky voice)
— We'll do exactly as you say, sir…
Lorenzo (grave)
— Now get lost.
The man picked up his gun, backed away, and disappeared from the scene, fear carved across his face. Lorenzo's stare had marked him forever.
Lorenzo (murmuring)
— If I could, I'd kill you so my wife would never have to see what kind of bitch her mother really is… but I can't. She's still her mother.
End of flashback.
After telling Chloé everything, she stayed silent, stunned by the scale of what had happened.
Lorenzo (calmly)
— When I left the hospital, I stayed at Marco's place. Yeah, he knew everything from the start. I texted him and explained my plan before we even left Val's house. I ordered him to act innocent. And your mother's right-hand man works for me now. Soon, he'll bring me all the evidence needed to send her to prison for all her dirty business… prostitution. I know she's your mother, but she deserves jail for what she's done. And I came back because Marco told me you were ready to avenge my death… and I don't want you doing something stupid. Especially since I know you're carrying our child. And my parents… they know I'm alive. They wanted to see my body… Marco brought them to me so I could explain everything.
Chloé (shocked, trembling voice)
— I… I don't know what to say. I'm proud of your plan… and angry at you at the same time. You could've at least tried to call me. I…
Lorenzo (smirking)
— Shhh… don't start. Let me make it up to you.
Gently, he pulled Chloé onto him. She settled astride him, her legs wrapped around his waist. Lorenzo, still sitting against the pillows, wrapped his muscular arms around her and captured her lips in a burning, passionate kiss. Their bodies pressed closer together, their breaths mixing, tender at first, then almost wildly intense.
While kissing her, Lorenzo lifted her delicately, positioning her on his hard member. Chloé threw her head back, gripping his shoulders tightly, pleasure and desire vibrating through every moan.
Chloé (moaning)
— Aaaaaaa…
Lorenzo guided her gently, making her move against him while his kisses traveled down her neck. Chloé couldn't hold back her cries of pleasure, her hands scratching his back and shoulders in a soft but electric tension.
Chloé (crying out, breathless)
— Aaaaaaa… I… I love you, my love… you drive me crazy…
Lorenzo (groaning, low voice)
— You're mine, Chloé Martin… only mine… I love you more than I ever thought I could love again. You showed me I could open my heart again… and that I deserved to be loved… You drive me insane… insane with love for you…
His words were barely a breath, murmurs against her neck between soft and burning kisses. Chloé, her hands tangled in his hair, encouraged him to keep going, to never stop. Lorenzo, his firm hands gripping her hips, guided her movements with depth and tenderness, a perfect rhythm, intimate and intoxicating. The room echoed with their muffled moans, as if the world around them had disappeared.
Chloé (crying out, breathless)
— Promise me, Lorenzo… Promise me you'll never leave me, not even for a day…
Lorenzo (softly, voice full of tenderness)
— I promise, sweetheart. I'll always be here… and I'll never walk away from you… never…
He lifted his head and captured her lips in a long, passionate kiss. Their breaths mingled, their hearts beating in perfect sync. Chloé collapsed against him, her head resting on his shoulder as she held him tightly against her chest. Lorenzo buried his face in her neck, holding her with a deep but gentle intensity.
Lorenzo (whispering)
— I love you, Chloé… you and our child.
Chloé (soft, trembling voice)
— Life gave me a second chance to love you… and I'm going to make the most of it… I love you too, my grumpy bad boy.
Lorenzo (emotional, tender smile)
— I'll be less grumpy… I promise. But you'll have to start being a little more… obedient.
Chloé (mischievous smile)
— Dream on… I'm not obedient. You don't get to order me around, just so you know.
Lorenzo (softly, sincerely)
— Even with your stubbornness, I adore you anyway.
Chloé (smiling)
— I know.
Their eyes met, filled with love. Lorenzo slid his hand behind her neck, pulled her face closer to his, and kissed her with a softness and desire that sent shivers through Chloé's entire body.
Chloé (inner voice)
— He drives me completely crazy… if someone had told me the first day I met him that I'd love him this much… I never would've believed it. And yet today, I can't imagine my life without him.
Lorenzo (inner voice)
— To her, I'm Lorenzo De Santis… not the Jaguar. For her… and for our child… I'll be a faithful, protective, tender man… far from the cold and calculating bad boy. For Chloé, I'd give everything… because she's my life, my breath… my everything.
To be continued…